Will Power



I CAN AND I WILL.



How many boys there are who can, but never do, because they have no will power, or if they have, never use it! Before undertaking to perform any task, you must carefully consider whether you can do it, and once convinced that you are able to accomplish it, then say, "I will do it," with a determination that you will never give up till it is done, and you will be successful. 

The difference between "Give up" and "I can't," and "I can and will" is just the difference between victory and defeat in all the great conflicts of life.

Boys, adopt for your motto, "I can and I will," and victory will be yours in all life's battles. "I can and I will" nerves the arms of the world's heroes today, in whatever department of labor they are engaged. 

"I can and I will" has fought and won all the great battles of life and of the world.

I know of a boy who was preparing to enter the junior class of the New York University. He was studying trigonometry, and I gave him three examples for his next lesson. The following day he came into my room to demonstrate his problems. Two of them he understood, but the third a very difficult one he had not performed. 

I said to him,

"Shall I help you?"

"No, sir! I can and will do it, if you will give me time."

I said, "I will give you all the time you wish."

The next day he came into my room to recite another lesson in the same study.

"Well, Simon, have you worked that example."

"No, sir! But I can and will do it, if you will give me a little more time."

"Certainly; you shall have all the time you desire."

I always like those boys who are determined to do their own work, for they make our best scholars, and men, too. The third morning you should have seen Simon enter my room. I knew he had it, for his whole face told the story of his success. Yes, he had it, notwithstanding it had cost him many hours of the severest mental labor. 

Not only had he solved the problem, but what was of infinitely greater importance to him, he had begun to develop mathematical powers, which, under the inspiration of "I can and I will," he has continued to cultivate, until today he is professor of mathematics in one of our largest colleges, and one of the ablest mathematicians in the country.

"My young friends, let your motto ever be,  

"I can and I will."




VALUE OF CHARACTER.



MR. W. H. BALDWIN recently delivered an address before a body of young men in Brookline, Mass., which is especially valuable on account of the speaker's long association with the interests of young people.

"The brave young man," said the speaker, "is the one who stands boldly up in the presence of companions and positively refuses to do that which his conscience tells him is wrong, when tempted, as so many young men are, and so very often. He is the brave young man who has the courage to say no, or to say yes, decisions, which shall be at the time based upon the prompt action of his God-given conscience, the great guide and dictator, which God has so kindly given to each and every child of his creation.

"The coward is the young man who cannot, or rather does not, stand the pressure of evil companions or friends who tempt or urge him, and who, though he knows what is right, is weak, has not the moral courage he should possess, in fact, he is a coward.

"Abraham Lincoln was once called upon to address some young people. He responded to the call, but said he would not attempt to give them an address, but rather a short sermon. The sermon was as follows: 'Don't swear don't gamble, don't lie, don't cheat, don't steal, don't drink, don't smoke, don't chew; love God and man, and be happy.''' ' 

Our cities are full of young men seeking employment. The question is often asked, What kind of young men are needed in the city? To this question a part of the address of Mr. B., who has large acquaintance with the business men of the country, makes a conclusive answer.

"Young men of character are in demand. 

Young men without character are not wanted by business men and others in need of assistants." 





Youth's Companion.